Ex-Bachmann aide sentenced to community service in theft case

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August 26, 2013 - 4:54 PM

Javier Sanchez, a former legislative assistant to U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, must complete 32 hours of community service by mid-December in an alleged theft case, a D.C. Superior Court judge ruled Monday.

U.S. Capitol Police said a hidden camera sting caught a man stealing $200 total from two envelopes in Bachmann's office June 14. Officers arrested Sanchez in connection with the theft in July after another staffer identified him as the man in the videos. Sanchez faced a charge of second-degree theft, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Judge Juliet McKenna said Sanchez must complete the community service before a Thursday, Dec. 19, hearing to have the charge dropped. If he fails to do so, he could face further penalties. Sanchez has denied that he stole the money and did not plead guilty as part of the agreement.

"I fully expect (Sanchez) to complete his service," said his attorney, David Benowitz.

Sanchez declined comment at the hearing. He was fired from Bachmann's employ after the arrest.